Date And Nut Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. or 13 oz. pitted dates, chopped
2 c. hot water
1/2 c. Crisco
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/3 c. flour
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts (optional)

Preparation

Pour hot water over dates; cool.
Combine shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
Beat until fluffy.
Sift dry ingredients together.
Add alternately with date mixture on low speed.
Blend only until smooth.
Add nuts.
Pour into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Bake at 350\u00b0 for 40 to 45 minutes.